How Would You Defend Myles Jones?

With 15 points in two NCAA Tournament games and 31 points in Duke's last six games, midfielder Myles Jones has elevated his already high profile (don't forget — he started his first game as a freshman in Durham and had a memorable bull dodge goal in last season's NCAA championship game vs. Syracuse).

Against Johns Hopkins, the 6-6, 240-pound sophomore showed a vast offensive skillset — a daunting face dodge, split dodge, swim dodge, toe-drag, plus the ability to shoot or feed off eac move — to the point that commetators and players on Twitter began using the term unguardable.

It begs the question — how do you defend Myles Jones? Well, we asked nine former players with various backgrounds, experiences, skillsets and outlooks for their take.

Brodie MerrillBoston Cannons, Georgetown

It’s a tough matchup, similar to Paul Rabil. You can't be left on an island or he will dodge by you either way, but if you slide too early, he will find the open man. I would try and get up on him a little higher, get into him earlier in his dodge. He really works his defender, so you have to be ready for a full 60-minute challenge

Brian KaralunasNew York Lizards, Villanova

Definitely not an easy task. From what I've seen this postseason, I think it's critical to press out and get on his hands. Sometimes the tendency with big, athletic midfielders is to pack it in. But if you let a player like Myles get a running start, you're in trouble. Make him beat you with his stick — get on his gloves and force him to take shots and make passes under pressure. Also, that way if you do get beat, there's plenty of time for the defense to slide and recover.

Chad WiedmaierOhio Machine, Princeton

I'd tackle him.

But on a serious note, I would never look at his stick or his eyes. I wouldn't try to play angles or alleys. I would always crowd him and play him straight up body on body. Never giving him space to build steam. And when a slide came, we would always stay on the double team until he moves the ball.

He’s coverable, but damn he's improved a lot.

Mike SimonDenver Outlaws, Stevenson

It seems like if you don't have someone that that can match him stature-wise, he’s a bit of matchup nightmare. I think the only way to defend him effectively is to have someone that matches his size and strength. It doesn't have to be longstick if you have, say, a Brett Manney-esque shortstick. If you don't you may be able to shut him off at times. He doesn't come off as exceptionally shifty which are typically the hardest guys lock off. But then you’re a little exposed from a team defense standpoint as all your slide packages are messed up with one player out of the mix.

Ken ClausenDenver Outlaws, Virginia

Ha. Lock him off.

Gotta keep him out of the middle. That’s a lot easier said than done. The fact that he's feeding the ball so well makes him a nightmare. Gotta force him down the alley. He just cuts middle and slam dunks. I’d like to see him rip it on the run. I haven't watched duke a ton, but when I have, he's been a force.

Brett HughesFormer MLL Defender, Virginia

Not to come across as arrogant, but I was lucky enough to be big enough and quick enough that I'd have pushed him eaarrrly. Similar to a jam technique for a cornerback in football against Megatron. If Myles got a run me, I'd have just tackled him. You aren’t stopping him otherwise. He dodges like a man! A.J. Haugen and Jay Jalbert were that strong and downhill! Just not 6-6. I don't see how else to defense him! Body body body and do it super early.

Jovan MillerFormer MLL SSDM, Syracuse

I'd crowd him continuously so he couldn't get a head of steam at me. Once I got him forced to the left, I'd push and slap-check him, forcing him to waste more time trying to get me off his hands than trying to run by me. Foot quickness-wise, I wouldn't be too concerned because he's unable to run away from his defender. That's what I'd do in a vacuum. In 2009, Duke had what was considered the best middie line in the nation going into Final Four weekend and we had a great time shutting them down.

Tommy KehoeFormer IL Employee, Gettysburg

I'd recruit his brother.

He seems best to me off change of direction. I'd tell my goalie that he’s getting the lefty alley, set up a low post hedge and consider that the best option. I don't think you can out-power him, so I'd lean toward speed just to keep a stick on his hands and to maintain a barrier from getting underneath me.

In short, I'd find a way to give him two goals to avoid giving him four or more.

Brian ReeseFormer MLL GM, Maryland

I’d first make him work hard to get the ball. Try to shut him off a bit so he catches it in spots where he's not comfortable. When he gets it, try to force him left and get after his gloves. He's been difficult to slide to lately because he's passing the ball so well.